Page 23 of 187
23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsGreen: for your information
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are in operation.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 64.
Front fog lamps
*
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 76.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
page 64.
Page 64 of 187

64n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Turn signals/High beams
Available displays
S M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
there is a fault in the transmis-
sion system.
All of the selector lever positions can
continue to be used; in the forward
drive positions, however, the vehicle
will be operating with restricted gear
availability.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
367us723
Do not work in the engine
compartment when a drive gear
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you
do so, the vehicle could move.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-
starting and towing, refer to
pages 158, 159.
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicators (green indicator
lamp and rhythmic clicking of the
relay)
If the indicator lamp and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn signal indicators
has failed.To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the pressure point. It then returns to the
center position when released.367us024
Page 69 of 187
69n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Comes on while driving: the engine is
overheated. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.367de007
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 125.
Green lamps The number of illuminated lamps
decreases as the time for your next
maintenance visit approaches.Yellow lamp This field appears together with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
This alerts you that maintenance is due.
Please arrange for an appointment with
your BMW center.Red lamp Maintenance is overdue.367us709
Page 82 of 187

82n
Heating and ventilationAir distribution
You can direct the airflow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the foot-
well . All intermediate settings are
possible. In this position , a small
volume of air is directed onto the
windows in order to keep them free of
condensation.
A "6 o'clock" position is recommended
as the normal operating setting.
Temperature
In order to increase the temper-
ature of the passenger compart-
ment, turn to the right (red). For
rapid heating, turn completely to the
right. Then select an interior tempera-
ture which is pleasant for you.
Air supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. Both heating and
ventilation become more effec-
tive as the air supply rate is increased.
In position 0, the blower and the heater
are switched off.
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area completely for your
personal comfort:
Use the rotary dial 2 to open and close
the vent throughout an infinitely-vari-
able range. With the levers 1, you can
direct the airflow to the side. Adjust the
airflow up or down by rotating the vent
grill.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.367de224
Rapid ventilation1. Set the blower speed control for the
air supply rate to position 4
2. Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the left (blue). Then
select an interior temperature which
is pleasant for you
3. Rotary control for air distribution in
position
4. Open the outlets for the upper body
area.367de705
Page 87 of 187

87n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner
*
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area completely for your
personal comfort:
Use the rotary dial 2 to open and close
the vent throughout an infinitely-vari-
able range. With the levers 1 you can
direct the airflow to the side, and up or
down by rotating the vent grill.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.367de224
Rapid ventilation1. Set the blower speed control for the
air supply rate to position 4
2. Switch on the air conditioner
*
3. Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the left (blue). Then
select an interior temperature which
is pleasant for you
4. Rotary control for air distribution in
position
5. Open the outlets for the upper body
area.367de709
Cooling1. Set the blower speed control for the
air supply rate to position 2
2. Switch on the air conditioner
*
3. Use the rotary temperature control to
select an interior temperature which
is comfortable for you
4. Rotary control for air distribution in
position
5. Open the outlets for the upper body
area.367de710
Page 126 of 187

126n
Coolant Brake fluid To add coolantWait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be
located in the blue field; otherwise,
there is a danger of scalding.
1. Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then open
2. If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50 : 50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).If the warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on:
The brake fluid level is too low, refer
also to the instructions on page 104.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
367de741
Z3 roadster 2.5i
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the notes on page 104.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the operating safety
and reliability of the brake system, have
the brake fluid changed every two years
by a BMW center, refer also to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).367de740
Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i